PARIS
Thousands of French citizens have gathered in Place de La Republique, holding up pens and press cards in a symbolic act to defense "freedom of press" following Wednesday's deadly attack that targeted French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and killed 12 people in central Paris.
Around 5000 people gathered in central paris responding to calls from France Journalists Syndicate and press freedom watchdog Journalists Without Borders.
A number of other rallies are reportedly being organised in cities across France such as Angers, Bourdeaux, Lyon and Strasbourg.
A campaign was launched on twitter with the hashtag #JeSuisCharlie (I’m Charlie) to show solidarity with the victims and support to the magazine.
Political cartoonists from around the world reacted on twitter by publishing cartoons dedicated to the victims of the attack.
Among the dead were satirical journalists and cartoonists regarded as legendary across France - editor Stephanie "Charb" Charbonnier, Bernard "Tignou" Verlhac, Jean Cabu and George Wolinski.
Renowned economist and writer Bernard Maris was also killed.
The journalists were attacked as they attended an editorial meeting at the publication.
